Container gardens offer the landscape-design challenged a low-maintenance alternative to fighting Mother Nature’s ground forces. These pretty potted plants survive sandy soil, drought, and the onslaught of salt-tinged breezes. Donna Brock of Viola’s Market on St. Simons Island, Georgia, suggests plant combos and ways to keep them beautiful.
• Choose Your Containers. Use hefty pots. “You don’t want one that could blow over,” Donna says. For stability, “layer rocks, broken clay pots, or bricks in the bottom,” she adds.
• Evaluate your needs. Consider the garden’s location, the vessel size,
and the light conditions. “You want the plants to progress from one height to another without a lot of gaps or holes,” Donna says. Pick varying plants (small, medium, tall, and cascading).
• Know your plants. Sun,
water, heat, and humidity all factor in
to a garden’s survival. Choose plants
that will stand up to your environment. Donna recommends succulents because they need little water. Herbs also do well in coastal areas. Ask local nurseries for advice as you make your selections.
Donna’s Favorites
Sun Worshippers: African daisies, African violets, fountain grass, geraniums, gerber daisies,
hibiscus, lantanas, snapdragons, petunias, zinnias
Shady Characters: aloe vera, bromeliads, caladiums, English ivy, hen and chicks, hoyas, kalanchoes, orchids, pepperomia, rex begonias, thyrsiflora, variegated fig ivy
Superb Herbs: basil (all varieties), mint, rosemary, thyme
